New Delhi, Apr 26 (KNN) Footwear retailers have urged the government to provide 8-10 months of additional time for the implementation of Quality Control Order norms.

QCO norms for footwear are all set to come in force from July 1. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) had issued QCO for footwear made from leather, rubber or polymer.

Saurabh Sanyal, CEO and Secretary, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), said that the implementation of QCO at this crucial juncture without much time for transition for the retail industry has created a precarious situation and will be an impediment to the operation, growth and sustenance of the footwear retail sector.

"While the industry is gearing up for readiness of QCO compliance for new manufacturing, as of now there has been no clarity for applicability of QCO on the inventory manufactured or procured prior to June 30, 2023 (before QCO effective date), for which large capital has been deployed by pan-India retailers while incurring a huge amount of taxes, duties and levies," he said.

One of the major issues facing the retailers is the non availability of internal testing facilities within their premises.

According to PHDCCI, only a miniscule of manufacturers or suppliers have been able to receive the BIS licences till date with 30 licences issued across 10 leather footwear categories, and 18 licences for 13 categories of non-leather footwear.

At the current pace, the certification process for most manufacturers will not be completed even after the QCO's effective date, it added.

The Industry is determined to align with Prime Minister's clarion call for "Zero-Defect-Zero Effect" manufacturing given more time.  (KNN Bureau)